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What's On!

Theatre & Comedy

• Wed 18 March — 8.00pm
  
  RBM presents
  Health And Stacey
  Plested & Brown
  Geography teacher Stacey quits Britain to escape its fanatical adherence to Health and Safety rules. Despite her training, she loses herself in a hot and sweaty jungle. Ditching her Dorothy Perkins trousers, she builds a new life, able to survive anything – except the arrival of a County Council Health and Safety officer. Their epic jungle adventure is an accident waiting to happen.
  Not suitable for under 12s. 1 hr – no interval.
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  
• Thu 19 March — 8.00pm
  
  Valerie Leon's Carry On!
  Valerie Leon
  Hammer Horror star, twice Bond girl and six times Carry On girl, this ever glamorous icon of the 1970s and ‘80s gives an illustrated talk about her life and career during the golden age of British film and television. Recalling roles in shows like The Saint and Up Pompeii, this charming star – perhaps best remembered as the Hai Karate girl – promises an exciting and intimate evening that shouldn’t be missed.
  75 mins – no interval.
  tickets £10 / £8 conc.
  
• Wed 1 April — 8.00pm
  
  Charles Dickens'
  The Pickwick Papers
  European Arts Company
  Ingeniously adapted from the comic novel by Charles Dickens, this entertaining production presents the perambulations, perils, travels and adventures of the corresponding members of The Pickwick Club, with a familiar cast from stage and screen.
  Not suitable for under 11s. 2 hrs 10 mins, with interval.
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  
• Wed 15 April — 8.00pm
  
  Spoonface Steinberg
  by Lee Hall
  Beggars And Kings
  This intimate and uplifting monologue, told by an autistic child, is a spellbinding journey of discovery, with illness, death, joy, hope and the meaning of life tackled from a unique and extraordinary perspective. Directed by Michael Fentiman, with an outstanding central performance from Zoe Thorne (The Gelth / Toclafane in BBC One’s Doctor Who).
  Aimed at adults and over 13s, but accompanied 9s and up welcome. 1 hr 10 mins – no interval.
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  
• Thu 23 April — 8.00pm
  
  The Devil's Doctor
  Shifting Sands
  Journey from the Arctic wastes to the steamy Nile; cheat death, work miracles; quarrel with priests and kings, and become legend! Meet the inspiration for Goethe’s Faust and the hero of Victor Frankenstein: alchemist, charlatan, heretic, explorer, genius, and mercurial Renaissance man, Paracelsus. But was he in league with the Devil?
  Not suitable for under 10s. Approx 90 mins.
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  
• Fri 24 April — 8.00pm
  
  Siobhán Nicholas and Chris Barnes'
  Dolce Via
  Take The Space
  On a winding road, two vaudevillains set out to seek the elephant beyond the footlights, meeting actors, fire-eaters, ventriloquists, musicians and magicians in the most turbulent show of their lives. A burlesque fantasy, inspired by the works of Fellini and Chaplin, from the company that brought us Sam & I and Hanging Hooke.
  Some naked flame. Not suitable for under 12s. Approx 90 mins.
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  
• Fri 12 June — 8.00pm
  
  The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre
  Darlings of YouTube and the comedy double act that must be seen to be believed! The stars of BBC Three's Comedy Shuffle and MTV's Best Show Ever present an evening of songs, sketches, socks and violence. Includes: an entire Shakespeare play (slightly abridged) and special guests Kraftwerk.
  May contain mild sweary words. Not suitable for under 12s.
  tickets £10 / £8 conc.
  
• Fri 19 June — 8.00pm
  
  Mark Jenkins'
  Playing Burton
  Theatre Tours International / Joshua Richards Productions
  He was the 12th child of a drunken Welsh miner, the first megastar and the most nominated actor never to win an Oscar. Infamously married to Elizabeth Taylor – the word ‘paparazzi’ was coined for him – he seemingly squandered his talent and his millions, drinking himself to an early death. But the real Richie Jenkins was known only to a few...
  Directed by his nephew – and one who did know – Guy Masterson.
  Not suitable for under 12s. 80 mins, plus interval.
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  
• Wed 24 June — 8.00pm
  
  James Seabright and LMP present
  The World's Wife
  Linda Marlowe
  Edinburgh 2009 preview of a new play, adapted from Carol Ann Duffy's poems, imagining the perspective of the wives of famous men through the ages: from Mrs Midas and Mrs Faust to Frau Freud and Queen Kong. Dark, humorous, witty and acerbic, this passionate exposé will enthral lovers of – and newcomers to – Duffy's brilliant and controversial verse.
  National Curriculum, Key Stage 4 English. Not suitable for under 14s. 1 hour (no interval).
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  
• Thu 25 and Fri 26 June — 8.00pm
  
  William Shakespeare's
  Much Ado About Nothing
  Ovo
  In this exciting update of the classic Shakespeare play, it's 1945 and the boys are coming home from the war. As the girls shed their overalls for evening frocks, the boys turn their minds to the arts of peace, and what better way than to fall in love!
  National Curriculum, Key Stage 3 English. Suitable for all ages. 2 hours, plus interval.
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  Professional Community Event. Membership Exempt.
• Thu 2 July — 8.00pm
  
  Tim Whitnall's
  Morecambe
  Theatre Tours International / Feather Productions
  A rare Edinburgh 2009 preview of a new play celebrating the extraordinary life of Eric Morecambe and commemorating the 25th anniversary of his untimely final curtain. Laugh, cry and celebrate Britain's best-loved comic, who had that twinkle in his eye and shared it with us all.
  Starring the multi-talented Bob Golding, who was born to play Eric, and directed by Arts Theatre favourite Guy Masterson. A must for fans of British comedy.
  Not suitable for under 10s. Approx 85 mins (no interval).
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  
• Sat 4 July — 2.30pm
  
  Open Competition 2009 Adjudication and Poetry Reading with
  Ver Poets and John Whitworth
  The St Albans-based poetry society presents a lively afternoon with poet John Whitworth, who will give his report on the annual Open Poetry Competition, read selected and winning poems by local young poets, award prizes and conclude with readings from his own work.
  Not suitable for young children. 2 hours 30 mins (with interval).
  FREE ENTRY
  Community Event.
• Thu 9 July — 8.00pm
  
  Baking Happy
  Jude Simpson
  Hilarious and charming stand-up poet and walking feelgood factor Jude Simpson returns to the Arts Theatre with her unique blend of observational comedy, witty wordplay, poetry, rap and song.
  Not suitable for under 13s. Approx 80 mins, plus interval.
  tickets £8 / £6 conc.
  
• Thu 17 and Fri 18 September — 7.30pm
  
  William Shakespeare's
  Much Ado About Nothing
  Shooting Stars Theatre Company
  Sparkling comedy, direct from the 2009 RSC Fringe Festival. Dashing Claudio falls for beautiful Hero and a marriage is hastily arranged, whilst Don Pedro, who has just won a victory against rebel forces, tricks Benedick into marrying his old sparring partner Beatrice.
  Abridged family show from the company that brought us Romeo and Juliet and The Memory of Water.
  Suitable for all ages. National Curriculum, Key Stage 3 English. 90 minutes.
  tickets £10
  
• Thu 24 September — 8.00pm
  
  Bully
  The 2008 Edinburgh Fringe hit!
  Richard Fry
  Malice passes along this male bloodline with clockwork exactitude. Spanning his life from tragic childhood to tainted adulthood, a timid younger brother wittily charts the afflictions of a well meaning soul who tries to break the cycle by becoming a sufferer, rather than the bully. Sincere, eloquent and timeless, this is a thrilling experience and a sturdy Greek tragedy of vocal dexterity.
  Not suitable for under 14s. Some mild swearing. 65 minutes (no interval).
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  

Cabaret

• Sat 31 January — 8.00pm
  Sat 28 February — 8.00pm
  Sat 28 March — 8.00pm
  Sat 25 April — 8.00pm
  
  Laughter Lounge
  with Barnstormers Comedy
  The Arts Theatre’s Saturday night stand-up for over 16s. Barnstormers Comedy brings a different monthly line-up of 3 – 4 comedians from Jongleurs, the Comedy Store and the London circuit. Be prepared for strong language and laughter lines. Hosted by Kevin Precious, previous acts include: Lee Nelson, Nick Doody and Helmut.
  Check local press or Box Office for line-up nearer the time. Not suitable for under 16s. Fully licensed bar. ID essential. Approx 2 hrs 30 mins, with intervals
  tickets £12 / £10 conc.
  
• Wed 28 January — 8.00pm with JUDE SIMPSON
  Wed 25 February — 8.00pm with CHRIS HICKS
  Wed 25 March — 8.00pm with SELINA GODDEN
  Wed 22 April — 8.00pm with MARTIN NEWELL
  
  Oral Cabaret
  with Poetry Link
  The new Wednesday night spoken word cabaret for over 16s. In association with Poetry Link, the Arts Theatre brings a changing monthly line-up of performers from across the country. Be prepared for language of all kinds, some laughs and the occasional surprise. Hosted by Hemel Hempstead’s own poet laureate Mat Lloyd.
  Possibility of strong language. Not suitable for under 16s. Fully licensed bar.
  tickets £5 / £4 conc.
  

Music

• Fri 20 March — 8.00pm
  
  the kirsty mcgee hobopop collective
  Traditional jazz / roots and a 1920s sense of cabaret style. Banjos, guitars, double bass and drums accompany the delicate, stubborn songs of the Kansas Sessions album to create a vaudebilly music for the new depression era. With guest Kreg Viesselman, whose passionate voice recalls the likes of Joe Cocker and Kelly Joe Phelps.
  Fully licensed bar. No unaccompanied under 16s. Approx 2 hrs plus interval.
  tickets £10 / £8 conc.
  
• Sat 21 March — 8.00pm
  
  Poet In New York
  Plus bio-documentary on the life and work of Leonard Cohen
  Keith James and Rick Foot
  That unprecedented magnet of migration, New York, inspires this concert of unique and evocative music; exposing the fascination, vulnerability and fear of the poet when confronted with the capital of the world. Material by Leonard Cohen, Suzanne Vega, Federico Garcia Lorca, Vladimir Nabokov, Sylvia Plath, Pablo Neruda and Bob Dylan.
  Fully licensed bar. No unaccompanied under 16s. 2 hrs 10 mins, with interval.
  tickets £12
  
• Sat 4 April — 8.30pm
  
  Errol Linton's Blues Vibe
  Shades of Blues
  Blending Memphis with Jamaica to create an organic blues-reggae groove dubbed ‘Brixton blues’, the most down home blues band around carries the legacy of Little Walter, Junior Wells and Sonny Boy Williamson into the twenty-first century.
  Fully licensed bar. No unaccompanied under 16s. Approx 2 hrs 30 mins plus interval.
  tickets £12.50
  Professional Community Event. Membership Exempt.

Children's

• Sat 21 March — 11.30am / 3.00pm
  
  The Tempest
  an ideal introduction to Shakespeare
  Lanternfish Theatre Company
  On a mysterious island, a sorcerer conjures shipwrecks, spirits and monsters through the power of magic, whilst a young girl discovers the world around her. With audience participation, original music, and dynamic physical action.
  For the over 5s. Babes in arms welcome, but please consider the comfort of other patrons. 1 hour.
  tickets £5
  Kid's Shakespeare Ticket £8 (3pm show and Puck's Bottom)
  Professional Community Event.
• Sat 28 March — 3.00pm
  
  Puck's Bottom
  Wild Wood Theatre
  Based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream this enchanting tale takes a perilous journey through Fairyland. The Fairy King and Queen are at war, and the world is turning upside-down. Will Puck come to the rescue? Told with hand carved puppets and original music.
  For the over 5s. Babes in arms welcome, but please consider the comfort of other patrons. Approx 1 hour.
  tickets £5
  Kid's Shakespeare Ticket £8 (and The Tempest 3pm)
  
• Sat 4 April — 3.00pm
  
  Rapunzel And The Tower Of Doom
  Theatre of Widdershins
  Bad hair day? Tangles? Split Ends? Frizzy? Flyaway? Pity poor Rapunzel, living in a tower with a strange and scary old witch who uses her captive’s lengthy locks as a step ladder! What’s that going to do to your hair? This traditional tale is taken right back to its roots and beautifully re-styled as an enchanting show with plenty of body and loads of highlights – because you’re worth it!
  For over 4s. 50 minutes.
  tickets £5
  
  
• Sat 18 April — 3.00pm
  
  The Very Ugly Duckling
  Jactito Puppet Theatre
  A visually stunning and musical show. Tadpoles emerge and change into frogs! Geese fly, ducks tap dance, majestic swans pass by and ducklings hatch in the idyllic countryside! But when an ugly duckling bursts from an egg, it puts a blot on the landscape! Can the Eggologist make things beautiful again?
  For over 4s. Babes in arms and younger children welcome, but please consider the comfort of other patrons. 1 hour.
  tickets £5
  
  
• Sat 25 April — 3.00pm
  
  The Selfish Giant
  Sea Legs Puppet Theatre
  Having built a wall to keep the children out of his garden, the Selfish Giant only gets visits from Lady Snow and her friends. But one morning he hears the most beautiful music coming from his bedroom window and is delighted with the sight that greets him. Set in a magnificent sculpted garden, Oscar Wilde’s classic story is told using beautifully crafted puppets and a brilliant musical soundtrack.
  For over 4s. 1 hour.
  tickets £5
  
  

Lunchtime

Wednesdays at 1.00pm – all tickets £3.50
The Maltings Café and Bar will be open for refreshments.

Concerts last approximately 1 hour (no interval).

• Wed 18 March — 1pm
  
  Guitar: El Moreno
  El Moreno presents a concert of romantic and exciting Spanish guitar music including many favourite pieces by the great masters of the past, such as Granada and Leyenda by Albeniz, themes from La Traviata by Verdi, The Arabe Caprice by Tarrega, spiced with music in a flamenco style.
  
• Wed 25 March — 1pm
  
  Guitar: Mark Ashford
  This internationally renowned and award winning performer studied with David Russell in Vigo, Spain and has performed at many of the UK’s most prestigious venues. Having just released a CD of Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with the Royal Philharmonic, he makes his Arts Theatre debut with a concert of works by Villa-Lobos, Piazzolla and arrangements of some popular French songs.
  

Book at the Box Office

In person: We are on level 2 of the Maltings shopping centre in St Albans, next to the library.
• Monday—Thursday: Open 10.30am–5.30pm
• Saturday: Open 10.00am–5.00pm
• Friday: CLOSED
Why not pop in for a coffee and check out what's going on.

Phone us: 01727 844222

Email: maltings.arts@stalbans.gov.uk